The Research on the Relationship between the Social Support and Mental Health Status of the Rural Elderly Five Years after 5.12 Earthquake

Abstract

Objective: To understand the mental health status and social support status of the elderly population in rural areas after 5.12 earthquake disaster and its influence on mental health status. Methods: 195 rural elderly in Pengzhou mountainous areas (Longmen mountain town, Ci feng town, Xiao yudong town, Tongji town, Bailu town, Xinxing town) 6 towns were investigated by random questionnaire, self-made demographic scale, Symptom self-rating Scale (SCL-90) and Social Support scale. Results: (1) The social support status of the rural elderly was good, but the mental health levels were significantly lower than the national norm (p<0.001), and the prevalence of psychological symptoms was 6.16% (12/195). (2) The total score of social support and scores of subjective support were negatively correlated with the depression factors of mental health (r _{subjective support} = -0.167 p<0.05, r _{social support total mark} = -0.168 p<0.05), and the subjective support had a predictive effect on depression (β=-0.086, p<0.05). Conclusion: Although the detection rate of mental health of rural elderly in the five years after the earthquake is not high, the score of all dimensions of scl-90 is significantly lower than the norm, and the good social support will alleviate mental health problems.